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What is a Tiny House?
A tiny house is officially defined by the 2018 International Residential Code Appendix Q as a dwelling unit with a maximum of 400 square feet of floor area, excluding lofts.However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, as there are many different styles of tiny houses, which can range in size from 100 to 500 square feet, and they represent more than just a small living space.
Beyond the textbook definition, tiny houses represent a growing movement rooted in simplicity, intentional living, and sustainability. Tiny houses have also been an integral part of the glamping industry, as an upscale living space that allows individuals to explore while retaining all the comforts of their home.
Tiny homes come with all the amenities of the typical home, such as bathrooms, showers, kitchenettes, and sleeping areas with a bed.
The way that so much can fit into a tiny home is due to their clever design, as tiny homes maximize utility in a small space. Think multifunctional furniture, smart storage, and efficient layouts where a single area often serves multiple purposes, like a loft that doubles as a sleeping area and a reading nook, or a dining table that folds down to become a desk.
For many, choosing a tiny house is about more than simply downsizing. It’s about prioritizing experiences over things, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle that emphasizes quality over quantity.
What Styles of Tiny Houses Are There?
The tiny house movement has inspired a wide variety of architectural styles, materials, and layouts to suit different tastes and needs. Below, we’ve outlined some of the common types and typical features of each.
Mirror Cabin
Sleek, modern, and visually stunning, these homes often feature reflective exteriors that blend into nature design to help provide a fully immersive experience.
Bungalow
A small one-story cottage with a small porch. It takes on a more traditional design, often featuring low, pitched roofs, large windows, and open floor plans. Bungalows can vary in size with some being over 1,000 square feet.
Microhouse
Ultra-compact versions of tiny homes, focused on bare essentials with maximum efficiency, while taking advantage of sustainable strategies to minimize the carbon footprint.
Floating Tiny House
Built on pontoons or docks, offering a one-of-a-kind waterside living experience.
Modular or Prefab (Prefabricated) House
Built in sections, called modules, and assembled on-site, these homes are often customizable and scalable.
Container Home
Made from repurposed shipping containers, they’re sturdy, industrial, and eco-conscious.
A-Frame
Recognized by their steeply angled rooflines that form an “A” shape, these charming cabins are ideal for snowy or forested environments, offering a cozy, rustic aesthetic with efficient use of vertical space.
Curious about other unique places to stay? Read our Glamping Guide to discover yurts, safari tents, domes, and more.
What are Tiny House Communities?
Tiny house communities are clusters of small homes grouped together in a shared setting, offering both privacy and community. While each guest or resident enjoys the privacy of their own standalone unit, these communities often include shared spaces designed to bring people together.
Common shared amenities might include:
- Community gardens
- Fire pits and gathering spaces
- Dog parks
- Fitness areas
- Pickleball and sport courts
- Shared laundry facilities
- Walking trails or river access
- Clubhouses or meeting rooms
These communities attract a wide range of visitors, from solo travelers and digital nomads to families and couples, thanks to their sense of camaraderie and the ability to connect with like-minded people while enjoying nature.
Top Tiny House Communities in the Smoky Mountains
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed community campground feel, a luxurious glamping experience, or a trendy themed vacation, the Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most charming and creative tiny house communities around:
Camp Little Arrow – Townshend, TN
Features: RV sites, tents, cabins, Airstreams, glamping tents, pool, hot tub, café, playground, pet-friendly, sport courts.
Best For: Travelers seeking all-inclusive amenities and family-friendly fun.
Mountain Shire – Sevierville, TN
Features: Hobbit-style tiny homes, queen beds, kitchenettes, firepits, pet-friendly.
Best For: Couples, small families, and fantasy lovers—especially Harry Potter fans.
Roamstead – Cosby, TN
Features: Campsites, tiny homes, yurts, lodge rooms, Airstreams, upscale communal spaces.
Best For: Families and adventurers looking to unplug and connect with nature.
Ellis Cove – Sevierville, TN
Features: Tiny homes by the river, fishing, tubing, communal campfires.
Best For: Nature lovers and small groups wanting a peaceful retreat.
Stellara – Sevierville, TN
Features: Astrology-themed resort, romantic packages, hot tubs, firepits, treehouses, mirror houses (not pet-friendly).
Best For: Romantic couples seeking a unique, stargazing-inspired escape.
UnderCanvas – Pigeon Forge, TN
Features: Luxury safari-style tents, on-site dining, group activities.
Best For: Upscale glampers—couples or families wanting luxury with a camp vibe.
Sojourn Lodging – Sevierville, TN
Features: 40-unit tiny house village with pickleball court, wedding deck, shuffleboard, walking trails, full kitchens, modern baths, pet-friendly.
Best For: Couples and families who value nature, simplicity, and recreation in a clean, modern setting.
How Do Tiny House Communities Compare to Hotels?
While hotels offer convenience, tiny house communities offer character. They provide a more unique lodging experience, often for the same price as a mid-range hotel room.
In a tiny house, you can expect:
- Private entrances and personal outdoor space
- Fully stocked kitchens or kitchenettes
- Direct access to nature
- A quiet, low-density atmosphere
- The charm of staying somewhere memorable
They’re ideal for those who want to connect with nature without roughing it, offering the comforts of home without the noise and crowds of a hotel.
Want to learn more about outdoor-friendly luxury lodging? Check out our Glamping Blog.
Is a Tiny House a Good Fit for Your Upcoming Trip?
Tiny house rentals are typically more affordable than cabins, but offer a more memorable and comfortable experience than a basic hotel unit. Tiny house communities are better suited for those who seek outdoor adventure, without the hassle of dealing with nature’s inconveniences.
However, they may feel tight for larger groups or long stays, and often don’t have the same level of in-unit luxury as full-sized vacation homes. Depending on the type of tiny house, some lack basic amenities, such as hot water, private indoor bathrooms, and comfortable sleeping spaces.
At Sojourn Lodging, we’ve designed our tiny house experience to offer just the right balance of comfort and simplicity. Each unit features:
- A cozy loft perfect for couples or small families
- A pull-out sofa for additional sleeping space
- A Smart TV and Wi-Fi for modern convenience
- A kitchenette with a refrigerator and basic cooking essentials
- A private bathroom and shower with hot water
We believe in simplicity. It’s about giving you everything you need, so you can spend less time worrying and more time focusing on what really matters: connection, community, and adventure.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, have accessibility needs, or simply prefer more room to spread out, a full-size cabin or vacation home may be a better fit. Cabins offer more space, multiple bedrooms, and greater privacy, ideal for extended stays or trips with older family members.
